Golf caddy

ABSTRACT

A golf caddy comprises a compact body including a sidewall defining a first interior cavity, an open top end and a bottom end, a base attached to the bottom end, and at least one step member extending laterally from the base. A plurality of spikes projects longitudinally from a lower surface of the base. A handle connects to the body and includes a grip portion extending adjacent to the body to define a gap therebetween. A ball holder is connected to the body and has a sidewall defining a second interior cavity, an open top end and a closed bottom end. An alignment tool is attached to the body and is selectively reconfigurable to produce a visually perceivable line extending in a user-selectable direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Patent Cooperation Treaty Application of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/655,642, filed Jun. 5, 2012,entitled GOLF CADDY (Atty. Dkt. No. DKT. SKSN-31273) and of U.S.Provisional Patent Applicant No. 61/675,315, filed Jul. 24, 2012,entitled GOLF CADDY (Atty. Dkt. No. DKT. SKSN-3194), the specificationsof which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to a portable caddy (i.e., container) for golfclubs, and more particularly, to a lightweight, personally transportablecaddy that is removably affixable to the turf of a golf course to holdone or more golf clubs in an upright, readily accessible orientation.

BACKGROUND

During play, golf clubs are often held and transported in a golf bagthat is sized to hold an entire set of clubs, and wherein substantiallythe entire club shaft fits into the bag. Fully loaded with a set ofclubs, balls and other accessories, golf bags can be very heavy, andthus impractical to carry for long distances. As such, golf bags areusually carried on a motorized golf cart.

On many golf courses, motorized golf carts are restricted to adesignated cart pathway to avoid damage to the turf of the fairwaysand/or greens. Thus, when a player walks out onto the course to take ashot, he/she typically leaves the golf bag in the cart and takes only afew clubs. Since the player cannot hold multiple clubs when actuallytaking the shot, the other loose clubs (i.e., those removed from thegolf bag), are typically left on the ground or propped against a nearbytree or other structure. Not infrequently, such loose clubs become wet,soiled, stepped on, broken and/or forgotten (lost). A need thereforeexists, for a device that can be easily carried onto the course tosafely hold several clubs in an upright position while the playershoots.

Before each shot, golfers need to align their bodies such that theirswing is lined up with the desired line of travel for the ball. For manygolfers, it is helpful to have a visual frame of reference in the formof a line extending in the desired line of travel (e.g., toward thehole) disposed in front of the player (i.e., within their peripheralvision). A need therefore exists, for a device that can be provide avisual frame of reference that can be oriented by the user to indicatethe desired line of travel for the ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a golf caddy comprises a compact bodyincluding a sidewall defining a first interior cavity, an open top endand a bottom end, a base attached to the bottom end, and at least onestep member extending laterally from the base. A plurality of spikesprojects longitudinally from a lower surface of the base. A handleconnects to the body and includes a grip portion extending adjacent tothe body to define a gap therebetween. A ball holder is connected to thebody and has a sidewall defining a second interior cavity, an open topend and a closed bottom end. An alignment tool is attached to the bodyand is selectively reconfigurable to produce a visually perceivable lineextending in a user-selectable direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the body.

In another aspect of the invention, a golf caddy comprises a compactbody including a rigid sidewall defining a first interior cavityextending along a longitudinal axis, an open top end and a bottom end, arigid base attached to the bottom end of the body, the base having anupper surface facing the interior cavity and a lower surface facing awayfrom the interior cavity, and at least one step member extendinglaterally from the base. A plurality of spikes projects longitudinallyfrom the lower surface of the base. A handle is connected to the body ata first end and includes a grip portion spaced apart from the body andextending longitudinally adjacent the body to define an elongated gapbetween the handle and the body. A ball holder is connected to the bodyand has a rigid sidewall defining a second interior cavity, an open topend and a closed bottom end. An alignment tool is attached to the bodyand is selectively reconfigurable to produce a visually perceivable lineextending away from the body in a user-selectable directionsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

In another embodiment thereof, the body has a length within the range of18 inches to 36 inches, measured from the top end to the bottom endalong the longitudinal axis, but not including the length of the spikes.

In still another embodiment thereof, the body has a length within therange of 23 inches to 27 inches, measured from the top end to the bottomend along the longitudinal axis, but not including the length of thespikes.

In another embodiment, the alignment tool further comprises an elongatedshaft member having first and second ends and a central section disposedtherebetween. The shaft member extends in a substantially straight linebetween the first and second ends. A mounting element is adapted torotatably connect the central section of the shaft member to the top endof the body such that the first and second ends of the shaft memberextend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Theelongated shaft member, when attached to the top end of the body, can beoriented in a user-selectable direction to visually form a lineextending away from the body substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the body.

In still another embodiment thereof, the mounting element is a centerclip member connected to the central section of the shaft member, thecenter clip member having a pair of channels adapted to removably attachacross a circular rim at the top end of the body.

In another embodiment, the golf caddy further comprises a clip disposedon one of the first and second ends of the shaft member of the alignmenttool, the clip being adapted to releasably connect to a rim at the topend of the body. A securing member is disposed on the body, the securingmember having sidewalls and a bottom to define a cup-like recess forreleasably receiving the other of the first and second ends of the shaftmember. The alignment tool can be releasably secured to a side of thebody for storage.

In yet another embodiment, the alignment tool further comprises a laserproducing a light beam in a visible wavelength, a lens disposed alongthe light beam to convert the light beam to a line of light on surfacesto which it is projected, and a mounting element adapted to rotatablyconnect the laser to the body such that the line of light produced bythe laser and the lens can be directed at a surface adjacent to the basein a user-selectable direction to form a line extending away from thebody substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

In another embodiment thereof, the mounting element is a rotating collaraffixed to the upper end of the body.

In another embodiment, the rigid sidewall has a substantially constantcross section, when viewed along the longitudinal axis.

In another embodiment thereof, the cross section of the rigid sidewallis a circle of substantially constant diameter, when viewed along thelongitudinal axis.

In another embodiment, the rigid sidewall is substantially unperforatedby through-openings from the interior cavity.

In yet another embodiment, the rigid sidewall defines a plurality ofthrough-openings from the interior cavity.

In another embodiment, the handle further includes a cylindrical holeformed therethrough, the hole having an axis oriented substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body, and having adiameter within the range from 0.75 inch to 1.25 inch.

In yet another embodiment, the sidewall of the ball holder defines acylindrical interior cavity having a diameter within the range of 1.68inch to 2.00 inch, and the sidewall further includes at least one openslot formed through the sidewall having a width of at least 0.75 inchand extending longitudinally to within a distance of 0.5 inches from thebottom end of the ball holder.

In another aspect of the invention, a golf caddy comprises a bodyincluding a rigid sidewall defining a first interior cavity extendingalong a longitudinal axis, an open top end and a bottom end, a rigidbase attached to the bottom end of the body, the base having an uppersurface facing the interior cavity and a lower surface facing away fromthe interior cavity, and at least one step member extending laterallyfrom the base. A plurality of spikes project longitudinally from thelower surface of the base. A handle is connected to the body at a firstend and includes a grip portion spaced apart from the body and extendinglongitudinally adjacent the body to define an elongated gap between thehandle and the body. The sidewall is formed from a thermoplasticmaterial.

In another embodiment thereof, the thermoplastic material of thesidewall is one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic andpolyoxymethylene (POM) plastic.

In another embodiment thereof, the sidewall further comprises at leasttwo separate sidewall sections that are joined together.

In another embodiment thereof, at least one of the separate sidewallsections includes a handle slot formed on an edge thereof, and thehandle includes a flange formed thereon that is adapted to fit into thehandle slot and be trapped between the two sidewall sections when theyare joined together whereby the handle is joined to the body.

In yet another aspect, the base is formed of a thermoplastic material,the spikes are formed of a metal material, and the spikes are partiallyembedded in the base.

In yet another aspect, the sidewall further comprises at least twoseparate sidewall sections that are joined together, and the baseincluding the partially embedded spikes is attached to the bottom end ofthe two sidewall sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingDrawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a golf caddy in accordance with a first embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows the golf caddy of FIG. 1 positioned on the turf of a golfcourse and holding golf clubs;

FIG. 3 shows the use of an alignment tool of the golf caddy inaccordance with another aspect;

FIG. 4 shows an overhead view of the golf caddy and alignment tool ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a golf caddy with a laser alignment tool in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the laser alignment tool of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded diagram showing the components of a golf caddy inaccordance with another embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a golf caddy in accordancewith one embodiment. Golf caddy 100 comprises a compact body 102including a sidewall 103 defining a first interior cavity 105 extendingalong a longitudinal axis 107, an open top end 104 and a bottom end 106.The sidewall 103 is preferably rigid, meaning that it maintains itsshape and resists significant deformation when subjected to externalforces. The body 102 may further include a base 109 attached to thebottom end 106 of the body, the base having an upper surface facing theinterior cavity 105 (i.e., forming the lower boundary of the interiorcavity) and a lower surface facing away from the interior cavity. Thebase 109 is preferably rigid. The body further includes at least onestep member 112 extending laterally from bottom end 106 to provide aplace of the golfer to push down (e.g., with his/her shoe) to assistdriving the spikes (described below) into the turf (i.e., ground) of thegolf course. The step member 112 is preferably connected to the base109. Preferably, the step member 112 extends laterally from the sidewall103 a distance (denoted d₁) of at least 0.5 inches.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the sidewall 103 of the body 102 isconfigured in the shape of a tube or cylinder having a constant circularcross section (viewed along the longitudinal axis 107); however, bodiesconfigured with oval, triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal orother cross-sectional shapes may be used. The sidewalls 103 of the body102 may be solid, i.e., without perforations or passages from theinterior cavity 105 to the exterior (other than the open end 104), orthey may be perforated over some or all of their extent. In theembodiment shown, the sidewall 103 of the body 102 is perforated by agrid 108 over portions of the upper surface.

The compact size of the body 102 is selected to provide the desiredportability and light weight of the caddy 100. If the body length is toolong, the weight will be too high, and if the body length is too short,then the golf clubs will spread excessively and cause instability. Inone embodiment, the body 102 has a length (denoted L₁) within the rangeof 18 inches to 36 inches, measured from the top end 104 to the bottomend 106 along the longitudinal axis 107 (but not including the length ofthe spikes 110). In another embodiment thereof, the body has a length L₁within the range of 20 inches to 30 inches. In another embodimentthereof, the body has a length L₁ within the range of 23 inches to 27inches. In yet another embodiment thereof, the body has a length L₁within the range of 24 inches to 26 inches. Similarly, if the maximumwidth (or maximum diameter for circular cross sections) of the body 102is too large, the weight will be too high, and if the maximumwidth/diameter is too small, the caddy will not hold enough golf clubsto be useful. In one embodiment, the body 102 has a maximumwidth/diameter (denoted W₁) within the range of 2.4 inches to 5.0inches, measured across the top end 104. In another embodiment thereof,the body has a maximum width/diameter W₁ within the range of 2.5 inchesto 4.0 inches. In yet another embodiment thereof, the body has a maximumwidth/diameter W₁ within the range of 3.0 inches to 3.5 inches.

Referring now also to FIG. 7, the sidewall 103 of the body 102 may beformed in a single piece, or it may be formed in separate sidewallpieces, e.g., 103 a and 103 b that are assembled together. The body 102,sidewalls 103, base 109 and/or other parts of the caddy 100 may beformed of plastic materials, metal materials or other suitablematerials. In preferred embodiments, the sidewalls 103 and/or otherportions of the caddy 100 are formed from one of acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS) plastic or polyoxymethylene (POM) plastic. The top end 104of the body 102 of the caddy 100 may be an integral part of the bodysidewalls 103 or it may comprise a separate top ring assembly 111 (seeFIG. 7). The bottom end 106 of the caddy may be an integral part of thebody walls or it may comprise a separate base plate 109 (see FIG. 7).

Referring again to FIG. 1, a plurality of spikes 110 projectslongitudinally from the lower surface of the base 109. The spikes 110are preferably formed of aluminum or stainless steel; however, they maybe formed of plastic or other suitable materials. The spikes 110preferably have a length within the range of 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches,and more preferably a length within the range of 1.75 inches to 2.25inches. The spikes 110 preferably have a width within the range of 0.15inches to 0.35 inches, and more preferably a width within the range of0.20 inches to 0.30 inches. The spikes preferably have an end profilethat is turf-friendly and resistant to the accumulation of dirt. Thespikes 110 may be affixed to the lower surface of the bottom end 106 orbase 109, or molded as integral parts of the element. As describedbelow, the spikes 110 may be driven into the ground/sod/turf of the golfcourse to hold the caddy 100 in an upright position when unattended. Inthe embodiment shown, three spikes 110 are provided; however, othernumbers of spikes may be provided in other embodiments. As previouslydescribed, one or more step members 112 extend laterally from the bottomend 106 of the body 102 to provide a place for the golfer (i.e., theuser) to push (e.g., with his/her shoe) to assist in driving the spikes110 into the ground.

A handle 114 is connected to the body 102 at a first end and includes agrip portion 115 spaced apart from the body 102 and extendinglongitudinally adjacent the body to define an elongated gap 116 betweenthe handle and the body. Preferably, the handle 114 is provided at thetop end 104 of the caddy 100. The handle 114 may be configured like ahook or inverted “J” that is joined at its upper end to the body 102 soas to define the elongated gap 116 between the handle and the body. Thegap 116 facilitates hanging the caddy 100 on the rim of a golf bag (notshown) or other supporting structure. For example, this gap 116 may beconfigured to fit over the rim of a full-sized golf bag such that thecaddy 100 can hang from the golf bag for storage or transportation onthe golf cart. A cylindrical hole 118 may be formed through the handle114 to provide a convenient cigar holder/towel holder (see FIGS. 2 and3). Preferably, the hole 118 is a cylindrical hole having an axisoriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thebody. Preferably, the hole 118 has a diameter (denoted d₂) within therange from 0.75 inches to 1.25 inches. Cigar holders/towel holdersconfigured as spikes, clips, shelves or other structures attached to thehandle 114 may be provided in other embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 2, to secure the caddy 100 on the turf 200, thegolfer places the spikes 110 against the turf, then pushes down (denotedby arrow 201) on the body 102 and/or step 112 to force the spikes intothe turf until the lower surface of the base 109 rests against thesurface of the turf. The caddy 100 will remain upright to supportseveral golf clubs 202 in an upright manner. A towel 204 may be placedin the cigar holder/towel holder 118 as shown.

Referring yet again to FIG. 1, a ball holder 120 may be provided at thetop end 104 of the caddy 100. The ball holder 120 has a sidewall 121defining a cup-shaped second interior cavity 123 with an open top endand a closed bottom end dimensioned to hold one or more golf balls.Preferably, the sidewall 121 of the ball holder 120 is rigid. In onepreferred embodiment, the sidewall 121 of the ball holder 120 defines acylindrical interior cavity 123 having a diameter (denoted d₃) withinthe range of 1.68 inch to 2.00 inches. The sidewall 121 may includes atleast one open slot 122 formed through the sidewall having a width(denoted W₂) of at least 0.75 inch and extending longitudinally towithin a distance (denoted d₄) of 0.5 inches from the bottom end of theball holder. Such a slot 122 allows the golfer to insert a fingertipthrough the sidewall 121 to remove any golf balls stored in the ballholder 120. As shown in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the slot 122need not be continuously open from the bottom to the top of the ballholder. In the embodiment shown, the ball holder 120 is dimensioned tohold two golf balls (not shown); however, ball holders with differentcapacities may be provided in other embodiments. As noted, one or moreside openings 122 may be provided in the walls of the ball holder 120 tofacilitate removal of the balls by the golfer.

Referring still to FIG. 1, and also to FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, an alignmenttool 123 (FIGS. 3 and 4) or 502 (FIGS. 5 and 6) is attached to the body102 and is selectively reconfigurable to produce a visually perceivableline extending away from the body in a user-selectable directionsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 107 of the body.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the alignment tool 123comprises an elongated shaft member 124 having first and second ends anda central section disposed therebetween. The shaft member 124 extends ina substantially straight line between the first and second ends. Amounting element 130 is adapted to rotatably connect the central sectionof the shaft member 124 to the top end 104 of the body 102 (see FIGS. 3and 4) such that the line 125 between the first and second ends of theshaft member extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis 107. The elongated shaft member 124, when attached to the top end104 of the body 102 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), can be oriented in auser-selectable direction (denoted by arc/arrow a₁) to visually form aline 125 extending away from the body 102 substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis 107 of the body. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.1 and 4, a center clip member 130 is connected to the central section ofthe shaft member 124, and the center clip member includes a pair ofchannel features 127 adapted to removably attach across a circular rim111 at the top end 104 of the body 102. Preferably, the channel features127 can slide around the rim 111 to allow changes in the orientation ofthe shaft member 124. In FIG. 3, a cigar 300 is shown in the cigarholder/towel holder 118.

Referring still to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the golf caddy100 using the elongated shaft member 124, the caddy further comprises aclip 126 disposed on one of the first and second ends of the shaftmember of the alignment tool 123, the clip being adapted to releasablyconnect to a rim 111 at the top end 104 of the body 102. A securingmember 128 may be disposed on the lower portion 106 of the body 102, thesecuring member having sidewalls and a bottom to define a cup-likerecess for releasably receiving the other of the first and second endsof the shaft member 124. In this embodiment, the alignment tool 123 canbe releasably secured to a side of the body 102 for storage when not inuse for alignment purposes.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is illustrated another embodimentof the golf caddy including a laser alignment tool. The golf caddy 500is substantially similar to the previously described embodiment, exceptthat the alignment tool with the elongated shaft 124 and associatedelements is replaced by a laser alignment tool 502.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the alignment tool 502 comprises a laser device504 producing a light beam (not shown) in a visible wavelength, a lens506 disposed along the light beam to convert the light beam to a line oflight 508 on surfaces to which it is projected, and a mounting element510 adapted to rotatably connect the laser device to the body 102 of thecaddy 500 such that the line of light produced by the laser and the lenscan be directed at a surface 512 (i.e., the turf) adjacent to the base109 in a user-selectable direction to form a line 125 extending awayfrom the body substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 107of the body. The laser device 504 and/or the mounting element 510 mayinclude one or more sight elements 514 that facilitate alignment of thegolfer's line of sight 516 and the line 125 produced on the surface 512by the laser device. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, themounting element 510 includes a laser housing 518 connected to arotating collar 520 affixed to the upper end 104 of the body 102. Inother embodiments, the mounting element 510 may be a pivot or swivel orother mechanism for allowing the orientation of the laser alignmentdevice 502 to be changed.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure that this golf caddy provides a compact and man-portablecontainer for holding a small number of golf clubs in an uprightposition on the turf of a golf course. It should be understood that thedrawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended tobe limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On thecontrary, included are any further modifications, changes,rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, andembodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the followingclaims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted toembrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements,substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.

1. A golf caddy comprising: a compact body including a rigid sidewalldefining a first interior cavity extending along a longitudinal axis, anopen top end and a bottom end, a rigid base attached to the bottom endof the body, the base having an upper surface facing the interior cavityand a lower surface facing away from the interior cavity, and at leastone step member extending laterally from the base; a plurality of spikesprojecting longitudinally from the lower surface of the base; a handleconnected to the body at a first end and including a grip portion spacedapart from the body and extending longitudinally adjacent the body todefine an elongated gap between the handle and the body; a ball holderconnected to the body and having a rigid sidewall defining a secondinterior cavity, an open top end and a closed bottom end; and analignment tool attached to the body and selectively reconfigurable toproduce a visually perceivable line extending away from the body in auser-selectable direction substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the body.
 2. A golf caddy in accordance with claim1, wherein the body has a length within the range of 18 inches to 36inches, measured from the top end to the bottom end along thelongitudinal axis, but not including the length of the spikes.
 3. A golfcaddy in accordance with claim 2, wherein the body has a length withinthe range of 23 inches to 27 inches, measured from the top end to thebottom end along the longitudinal axis, but not including the length ofthe spikes.
 4. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 1, wherein thealignment tool further comprises: an elongated shaft member having firstand second ends and a central section disposed therebetween, the shaftmember extending in a substantially straight line between the first andsecond ends; and a mounting element adapted to rotatably connect thecentral section of the shaft member to the top end of the body such thatthe first and second ends of the shaft member extend substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis; whereby the elongated shaftmember, when attached to the top end of the body, can be oriented in auser-selectable direction to visually form a line extending away fromthe body substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thebody.
 5. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 4, wherein the mountingelement is a center clip member connected to the central section of theshaft member, the center clip member having a pair of channels adaptedto removably attach across a circular rim at the top end of the body. 6.A golf caddy in accordance with claim 4, further comprising: a clipdisposed on one of the first and second ends of the shaft member of thealignment tool, the clip adapted to releasably connect to a rim at thetop end of the body; and a securing member disposed on the body, thesecuring member having sidewalls and a bottom to define a cup-likerecess for releasably receiving the other of the first and second endsof the shaft member; whereby the alignment tool can be releasablysecured to a side of the body for storage.
 7. A golf caddy in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the alignment tool further comprises: a laserproducing a light beam in a visible wavelength; a lens disposed alongthe light beam to convert the light beam to a line of light on surfacesto which it is projected; and a mounting element adapted to rotatablyconnect the laser to the body such that the line of light produced bythe laser and the lens can be directed at a surface adjacent to the basein a user-selectable direction to form a line extending away from thebody substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.8. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 7, wherein the mounting elementis a rotating collar affixed to the upper end of the body.
 9. A golfcaddy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the rigid sidewall has asubstantially constant cross section, when viewed along the longitudinalaxis.
 10. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 9, wherein the crosssection of the rigid sidewall is a circle of substantially constantdiameter, when viewed along the longitudinal axis.
 11. A golf caddy inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the rigid sidewall is substantiallyunperforated by through-openings from the interior cavity.
 12. A golfcaddy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the rigid sidewall defines aplurality of through-openings from the interior cavity.
 13. A golf caddyin accordance with claim 1, wherein the handle further includes acylindrical hole formed therethrough, the hole having an axis orientedsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body, andhaving a diameter within the range from 0.75 inch to 1.25 inch.
 14. Agolf caddy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sidewall of the ballholder defines a cylindrical interior cavity having a diameter withinthe range of 1.68 inch to 2.00 inch, and the sidewall further includesat least one open slot formed through the sidewall having a width of atleast 0.75 inch and extending longitudinally to within a distance of 0.5inches from the bottom end of the ball holder.
 15. A golf caddycomprising: a body including a rigid sidewall defining a first interiorcavity extending along a longitudinal axis, an open top end and a bottomend, a rigid base attached to the bottom end of the body, the basehaving an upper surface facing the interior cavity and a lower surfacefacing away from the interior cavity, and at least one step memberextending laterally from the base; a plurality of spikes projectinglongitudinally from the lower surface of the base; and a handleconnected to the body at a first end and including a grip portion spacedapart from the body and extending longitudinally adjacent the body todefine an elongated gap between the handle and the body; and wherein thesidewall is formed from a thermoplastic material.
 16. A golf caddy inaccordance with claim 15, wherein the thermoplastic material of thesidewall is one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic andpolyoxymethylene (POM) plastic.
 17. A golf caddy in accordance withclaim 15, wherein the sidewall further comprises at least two separatesidewall sections that are joined together.
 18. A golf caddy inaccordance with claim 17, wherein: at least one of the separate sidewallsections includes a handle slot formed on an edge thereof; and thehandle includes a flange formed thereon that is adapted to fit into thehandle slot and be trapped between the two sidewall sections when theyare joined together; whereby the handle is joined to the body.
 19. Agolf caddy in accordance with claim 15, wherein: the base is formed of athermoplastic material and the spikes are formed of a metal material;and the spikes are partially embedded in the base.
 20. A golf caddy inaccordance with claim 19, wherein: the sidewall further comprises atleast two separate sidewall sections that are joined together; and thebase including the partially embedded spikes is attached to the bottomend of the two sidewall sections.